CBD and behaviour in horses

[Kind horse lover]

My horse is on CBD for arthritis and I’ve increased it by a small bit each week as it’s not done that much for pain relief. This last week he has become more reactive and spooky. The CBD is in powder form with no fillers. He needs a big dose because of his size. Previously I tried a different supplier with a coconut carrier and he went a bit bonkers and kept bolting when we got up to the full dose of 6 tablespoons, although it helped his mobility. I put it down to the coconut carrier causing the increased anxiety. But now I’m worried it’s the CBD causing the problem. Has anyone else found this?

 

[AmyMay]

Can you just not give him Bute?

 

[TheMule]

Can you just not give him Bute?

I agree- why not use something proven to actually reduce pain when you know the horse has a painful condition.

 

[Kind horse lover]

Can you just not give him Bute?

Yes he can go back on Bute if necessary. I was hoping for something more natural.

 

[Kind horse lover]

I agree- why not use something proven to actually reduce pain when you know the horse has a painful condition.

Yes he can go back on Bute if needed. He is only 10 so was hoping for something natural as long term use of Bute can cause gut problems.

 

[Fransurrey]

Yes he can go back on Bute if necessary. I was hoping for something more natural.

Try not to get caught up in 'natural is better'. If they wouldn't willingly eat it in the wild, it's not natural. You're also not controlling the dose of the active ingredient and bear in mind that large doses of anything can be a gut irritant, including CBD.

CBD has in fact been shown to damage the gut lining and disrupt the microbiome in humans and mice, which may or may not explain the change in behaviour. You could always ask for Danilon if it's long term.

 

[Kind horse lover]

Try not to get caught up in 'natural is better'. If they wouldn't willingly eat it in the wild, it's not natural. You're also not controlling the dose of the active ingredient and bear in mind that large doses of anything can be a gut irritant, including CBD.

CBD has in fact been shown to damage the gut lining and disrupt the microbiome in humans and mice, which may or may not explain the change in behaviour. You could always ask for Danilon if it's long term.

Thank you so much for your helpful reply. My horse is back on Bute and off CBd and comfortable again. Vet said not to change anything else at the moment but after a couple of months we can discuss switching to equinox as it’s kinder on the stomach. I didn’t know CBD can damage the gut lining.

 

[Zoeypxo]

Cant help on the behaviour front but i got sucked in with the cbd reviews and gave it a go on 3 different horses with arthritis and a dog, no difference with all after a month and i wasnt gunna buy another tub to trial any longer!

 

[SEL]

I've got one that does very well on it - but it's her PSSM / muscles that respond rather than joints I think.

Loads of horses get spooky on it though so it's hit & miss

My littlest cob zones out & gets sleepy - I use it when the farrier is due (she's not a fan). Does nothing for her other conditions.

 

[Kind horse lover]

Cant help on the behaviour front but i got sucked in with the cbd reviews and gave it a go on 3 different horses with arthritis and a dog, no difference with all after a month and i wasnt gunna buy another tub to trial any longer!

Yes some amazing reviews! I’m curious as to which supplier you used. Good to know it’s not just my horse that is the exception.

Did you find something else that works?

 

[Kind horse lover]

I've got one that does very well on it - but it's her PSSM / muscles that respond rather than joints I think.

Loads of horses get spooky on it though so it's hit & miss

My littlest cob zones out & gets sleepy - I use it when the farrier is due (she's not a fan). Does nothing for her other conditions.

Good news that one of your horses does well on CBD.

Good to know other horses get spooky on it not just mine.

Great result with the farrier though!

 

[Kind horse lover]

My horse is now off the CBD and back on Bute and more comfortable again.

 

[Zoeypxo]

Yes some amazing reviews! I’m curious as to which supplier you used. Good to know it’s not just my horse that is the exception.

Did you find something else that works?

Hempine was the one that i used.

One horse is now on bute, one is doing less work and one had arthramid.
My dog is going to weekly hydrotherapy and is improving all the time

 

[Fransurrey]

Yes some amazing reviews!

I just don't trust online reviews anymore. It's too easy to fake them. The ones that really irritate are the comment reviews under FB advertising posts. So bloody obvious!